Exeter Around the Town

Friday

Oct 31, 2008 at 2:00 AM

EXETER — Through the construction of The Boulders at RiverWoods, selectmen have opted to reduce the speed limit on Pickpocket Road to 25 mph. Selectmen said the 10-mph reduction will be in effect until Jan. 31, 2009, at which point the board will review the reduction again and determine whether to extend or reinstate the 35-mph speed limit.

EXETER — Through the construction of The Boulders at RiverWoods, selectmen have opted to reduce the speed limit on Pickpocket Road to 25 mph. Selectmen said the 10-mph reduction will be in effect until Jan. 31, 2009, at which point the board will review the reduction again and determine whether to extend or reinstate the 35-mph speed limit.

Selectmen made the decision Oct. 27 at the request of Planning Board members who have conditionally approved the third addition to the continuing-care retirement community. Acting Chairman Langdon Plumer addressed the board in a letter on Monday, Oct. 27.

Plumer said concerns regarding speed limits and construction traffic along Pickpocket Road were brought to the attention of the Planning Board at multiple meetings. He said RiverWoods has offered to limit construction traffic exiting the site onto Pickpocket Road to the left-hand or eastbound turns only, toward Route 111. The speed limit reduction is a second solution to maintaining a safe roadway, he stated.

RiverWoods has begun construction of the third addition to its continuing-care retirement community and will hold a ground-breaking ceremony in February.

An update to the town's Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) policy was accepted by the Board of Selectmen on Monday, effective immediately. The updates, which have not been done for at least three years, take into account new military requirements, a town's right to designate FMLA leave and the potential of taking another job while on leave.

Paul Lohnes, a principal of the Freeport-based Maine Course Hospitality Group, (MCHG) and a group of investors, will begin construction on a 71-unit Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott.

The new hotel will be located on Portsmouth Avenue in Exeter. Ground-breaking ceremonies were held at the site on Wednesday, Oct. 29 and a summer 2009 opening is expected.

"We think there is a great need for a Marriott Hotel in this market and are excited to have Maine Course as a partner," said Liam Brown, executive vice president, Marriott, Inc.

Sean Riley, chief operating officer at MCHG said, "The new prototype Fairfield will be an exciting addition to the Exeter area."

The Exeter Fairfield Inn & Suites will feature an indoor pool and fitness room, deluxe continental breakfast, business center and free high-speed Internet access. There will be a marketplace where guests can buy snacks and sundry. Marriott Rewards, the guest reward program, will allow guests to redeem points for hotels or airlines.

Holiday season is upon us and the Exeter Holiday Parade Committee invites you to be part of this festive holiday tradition. Come join us on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m. to watch the various interpretations of this year's theme of "Musical Notes & Holiday Floats."

The parade is organized by a small group of volunteers. All contributions in any amount help defer the cost of publicity, bands, celebrities, music, police and special entries. The group asks for your assistance by sponsoring or contributing in any amount. Sponsorship levels are as follows: $1,000 Santa Claus Is Coming to Town; $500 Silver Bells; $100 Frosty The Snowman.

To register for the parade or contribute, visit www.exeterholidayparade.org.

— Jennifer Feals

Monday, Nov. 3

Board of Selectmen — 7 p.m., Nowak Room, Town Offices.

Wednesday, Nov. 5

Budget Recommendations Committee — 6:30 p.m., Nowak Room, Town Offices. The committee will hear a presentation of the Town Office Recommendations Committee and on the budget of social services.

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